788 Rear Tang Problem

[BSellers22]

Long time reader first time post.
I inherited a old 308 788. The action may have been dropped, and the rear tang seems to be bent slightly forward.
I planned on pillar bedding the action, the rear pillar is counterbored, I believe there will be enough clearance so the rear tang will not touch the pillar. Does anyone see any issues with leaving it be? I could cut it off and tap the action but would rather not.

Look forward to everyones inputs.

Brent

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I always cut them off and tap them 1/4-28 and make them like a 700 is. A counterbored pillar is just weird

 

[BSellers22]

Thanks for the response.

 

[AlNyhus]

Though I've done a counter bored pillar approach, removing it and tapping it 1/4-28 would be my recommendation for a 788, provided you have a 'smith that can do it for you or access to a mill and the needed skills.

Even with a counter bored pillar than gives enough clearance, you would still have the issue of the action screw pulling at an angle when tightened to the trigger guard. You could get around that issue by removing some stock material and bedding the trigger guard...letting the action screw determine the trigger guard location. Another crutch I'd suggest if you retain the factory lug is to find a fastener (action screw) that has more of a Class 1 fit than tighter Class 3 type fit. A little wiggle will be to your advantage, here. Also, I'd not let the rear tang rest on the pillar....shorten the pillar and allow for around .050-ish of bedding material between the top of the pillar and the tang.

Just how I'd approach it, fwiw.

Good shootin'. -Al

 

[Kurz]

you would still have the issue of the action screw pulling at an angle when tightened to the trigger guard.

This is the reasoning behind cutting it off and tapping for 1/4-28. Everything needs to be square, parallel and perpendicular.

Enjoy!

 

[BSellers22]

Thought I would provide the results. I cut off the tang and threaded 1/4 x 28. Installed Pillars & bedded action. She is shooting great.